puppies - Leyas

We are planning our next litter for autumn 2026. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

About the Borzoi

Elegant, dignified, and loyal with an aristocratic charm

Historically, Borzois—also known as Russian Wolfhounds—were highly valued by Russian nobility in the 19th century for hunting wolves. The name “Borzoi” comes from the Russian word for “swift.” Their noble heritage also includes royal connections: the Tsars gifted Borzois to European monarchs, including Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.

The Borzoi is often regarded as one of the most elegant and visually striking dog breeds. With its long, narrow head and graceful lines, it draws attention wherever it goes. Thanks to its long, slender legs, deep chest, and arched back, the Borzoi moves with natural elegance. Its flowing, silky coat enhances its noble appearance—but there is much more to the Borzoi than just looks.

These dogs are devoted companions who love the closeness and attention of their human family. They are loyal and form strong bonds with their people. They can literally connect with you. They often display a playful and slightly mischievous nature.

Borzois make ideal housemates—calm at home, active outdoors. Given their hunting background, they retain a strong prey drive, so it’s essential they have opportunities to run. Thankfully, a short, intense run usually satisfies them—and thankfully, coursing exists.

Although they are natural hunters, Borzois are also incredibly sensitive dogs. Obedience training should be approached with patience and humor—they respond best when it feels like a shared game, not a command.

You might first be enchanted by their looks, but what you’ll truly fall in love with is their personality.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Borzoi

Do not get a Borzoi if:

You’re not brave enough to let it off the leash – any sighthound that spends its life only in a yard or on a leash won’t be happy.
You can’t admit that if you don’t teach your Borzoi basic commands (for me, the most essential is “come,” followed by “wait,” “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “place”), you are condemning it to a life on a leash – my Borzois walk off-leash in the forest, but they must stick to the paths and not run around wildly – Borzois can be trained – I’m not a professional trainer and don’t do formal obedience training.
You’re not responsible enough to assess when it’s safe to let the Borzoi run (this includes choosing the right place, time, and circumstances) or you’re unwilling to take advice from more experienced owners.
You’re not fascinated enough to learn about its history – every Borzoi carries the legacy of its ancestors, bred in the hundreds by Russian nobility to hunt wolves, foxes, and hares across the vast Russian steppes.
You don’t realize that this is a sighthound, bred for centuries to hunt visually and to make independent decisions without handler input.
You don’t understand that wolves are truly large and dangerous animals – hence the Borzoi is brave and will not easily back down from other dogs (especially some males).
You lack patience or self-control – give the Borzoi time to grow up and don’t rush it. They mature physically and mentally later, often not until age 3. Ensure they get enough exercise, but don’t overdo it. As puppies, they may destroy things and don’t handle changes in ownership well.
You can’t be consistent yet kind in upbringing – rule-following is crucial for coexisting with a Borzoi. If you give a command, it must be followed – if you’re unsure, don’t give it. Be smarter than your Borzoi to get the outcome you want.
You like to talk on the phone during walks and not pay full attention to your dog and surroundings – your Borzoi will show by its behavior when it’s time to leash up. You must learn to anticipate and see wildlife before your dog does.
You want to do a lot of formal training (obedience, tracking, rally obedience, even protection work) – some Borzois can handle this, but most are not interested. And why should they be? It’s not natural for them. People who don’t understand their nature call them “stupid,” which is unfair – that’s just my opinion. I do take my young Borzois to training classes, and we work on basic commands (always through positive reinforcement – you can’t teach them through harshness, but then again, no dog should be treated that way).

Do You Know the Five Freedoms?

Consider the main principles that have guided animal welfare since 1965:

Freedom from hunger, thirst and malnutrition – if they want meat, give them meat.
Freedom from discomfort – doesn’t mean they must sleep in your bed.
Freedom from pain, injury or disease – this includes deciding when it’s time to let a vet peacefully end your dog’s life. Don’t leave the dog alone in that moment just because you can’t handle it. It’s always hard, but you must be there.
Freedom to express normal behavior – that’s why I love coursing.
Freedom from fear and distress – don’t let your cat near your hamster’s cage, and don’t punish your sighthound for wanting to chase (of course, chasing wildlife is forbidden, and it’s our responsibility to prevent it).